Report: Xavi “almost certain” to join New York City F.C.

According to their report, Xavi is “almost certainly” joining Major League Soccer’s 20th franchise, New York City FC, and the decision may be coming shortly.

Here is an excerpt from their report:

[colored_box color=”blue”]”Once he has decided to put an end to his time in Barcelona, the footballer from Terrassa will shortly there after sign a contract for three years at a salary of $8.1 million per year with the Manchester City subsidiary in the North American league [NYCFC].”[/colored_box]

FC Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu told reporters earlier this week that the club would not stand in Xavi’s way if he decided to move to another club — even if he does still have two years remaining in his current contract.

“We are expecting the exit of Xavi Hernández,” he said. “He has the right to decide his future as he sees fit. He has two years left with the club, but if Xavi prefers a change, we will be happy to help him. He has earned that right to choose. He has been with the club 16 or 17 years, won many titles — the player with more titles than anyone in our history. Let Xavi choose what he wants. We will see. We still have a month and a half and will continue working.”

For now, that decision won’t come until the Spanish midfielder is back from his vacation in Ibiza.

Xavi has been consistently connected with a move to MLS. While New York City FC has seemingly become the front runner, the Red Bulls, Seattle — and even Qatari based Al-Ahli — have reportedly thrown their names in the ring to sign the 34-year-old playmaker.